PWS_-_Folsom.Elverta.Tracy.pdf

Sierra Nevada Region Annual Physical Requirements

Elverta, Folsom, and Tracy Personnel

Introduction:

A. Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) employees shall be provided a physical in accordance with the requirements of WAPA’s Medical Order 340.1, Federal Employee Occupational Medical Program (attachment). Absolutely no additional tests are implied or authorized without prior consent from WAPA.

B. A list of employees authorized to obtain an occupational health exam as a result of this purchase order will be provided to the medical provider in advance. The list also identifies those individuals whose physical examination testing must meet the requirements for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and/or medical DMV certificate for their job classification.

C. The Occupational Medical Physician will provide services as the region’s Medical Advisor.

As such, the Medical Advisor will assist, on a case-by-case basis by providing medical services in worker’s compensation reviews, accommodation reviews, annual flu shot for at least 100 employees on site, fitness for duty reviews, Automated External Defibrillator review, and other medical opinions and reviews as called upon.

-- SECTION I REQUIREMENTS --

A. The following actions will take place for medical evaluation and review:

1. The employee shall:

a. Provide a signed medical release form to release appropriate medical records after the exam to WAPA;

b. Provide a completed checklist with “Instructions to the Examining Physician” of required testing and examinations protocols;

c. Complete Occupational Medical Program Medical History Update Form, WAPA Form 5400.30;

d. Complete Part A of Medical Examination Form, OPM Form OF 178;

e. Complete Part A of Certificate of Medical Examination, WAPA Form

5400.32;

f. Complete required personal information on Audiometry Questionnaire/Test, WAPA Form 5400.34; and

g. As appropriate, complete Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire, WAPA Form 5400.33.

2. The physician shall:

a. Provide the annual physical examination.

b. Medical History: The Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act of

2008 prohibits WAPA from acquiring or using information about an employee or applicant’s genetic information, including family medical history. The contractor, physician or physician-designee are not to inquire about an individual’s family medical history or other genetic information. If such information is disclosed to the contractor, the physician or the physician-designee, the information must be redacted and/or withheld from any findings reported to WAPA. The respiratory questionnaire (Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire, WAPA Form5400.33), if applicable to patient, must be completed by the employee and reviewed by the physician in determining medical suitability to utilize a respirator. This completed evaluation shall not be returned to WAPA.

The Audiometry Questionnaire/Test, WAPA Form 5400.34 must be completed. All results shall be discussed with patient;

c. Fully complete all portions of Part B and Part C of Medical Examination Form, OPM Form OF 178 to include any limitations, restrictions or comments and physician’s signature;

d. Complete Part C of Certificate of Medical Examination, WAPA Form

5400.32 with physician’s name and signature; and

e. Review and complete medical qualifications and/or medical physical examination requirements for California Commercial Driver’s License requirements (State of California, Department of Motor Vehicle testing, Form

DL 51 or DL 546), as applicable.

3. The medical provider will return to WAPA the following original paperwork:

a. The signed medical release form to release appropriate medical records;

b. The completed Medical Examination Form, OPM Form OF 178 containing only the job-related portions of the examination;

c. The completed Certificate of Medical Examination, WAPA Form 5400.32;

d. The completed Audiometry Questionnaire/Test, WAPA Form 5400.34; and

The above will be returned in a sealed envelope marked “Confidential-Medical” and addressed to the:

Western Area Power Administration Sierra Nevada Region Safety Office

Matthew Monroe, Safety Specialist, N1700 114 Parkshore Drive, Folsom, CA 95630-4710.

(Mr. Monroe can be reached at (916) 353-4633).

4. The medical provider will not return to WAPA:

a. Occupational Medical Program Medical History Update Form, WAPA Form

5400.30 and

b. Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire, WAPA Form 5400.33).

5. The examining physician will discuss his/her findings with the employee and submit a written report to the employee after review by designated regional Medical Advisor.

6. For those employees requiring State of California, Department of Motor Vehicle testing for medical qualifications or for commercial driver’s licensing, Form DL 51 or DL 546 will be utilized and mailed to the California Department of Motor Vehicles by the health provider or provided to the employee for self-certification.

-- SECTION II REQUIREMENTS --

1. When providing the examination, the physician will consider, depending on job requirements and classification and exposure, the employee’s medical history, and the environmental factors associated with the individual’s duties. Environmental factors may include:

a. Chemical exposures such as chemicals controlling vegetation and insects. Concrete work, painting (possibly leas based), or equipment cleaning and repair. May be exposed to wood preservatives during climbing and handling wood poles. May be exposed to solvents. May be involved in spill clean-up. May be exposed to solder and soldering fluxes. Some equipment exposure may include polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) in dielectric fluid. May be exposed to welding fumes.

b. Dust. During construction work, and possibly wind borne dust. Dust from sandblasting, carpentry, and shop work (asbestos).

c. Elevation: Any work above 10,000 feet elevation involves the stresses of high elevation. Work between about 6,000 feet and 10,000 feet elevation may involve high altitude stress if the worker is not acclimated to the altitude.

d. Noise: High levels related to operation of heavy equipment, jack hammers, air tools, carpentry equipment, and repair shop.

e. Nonionizing Radiation: May be exposed to microwaves.

f. Temperature: Hot in summer, particularly in the sun, with little chance for shade.

Cold in winter in the more northern regions, or ones with higher elevations.

g. Vegetation and Insects: Consistent with a variety of ecosystems. Of most concern would be stinging and biting insects and contact with allergenic plants such as poison ivy, oak or sumac.

2. The General Physical Examination will be comprised of the following:

a. Review of Occupational Medical Program Medical History Update Form, Western Form 5400.30;

b. Medical examination , OPM Form OF 178 and 5400.32 --with particular focus on pulmonary, cardiovascular, neurologic, dermatologic and musculoskeletal systems;

c. Audiogram;

d. Chest X-Ray. Only if indicated by history, pulmonary function changes, or dust exposures.

e. ECG/EKG: Every 3 years after age 40; 2 years after age 50 and annually after age 60.

f. Pulmonary Function Test: If regular respirator use is required. (Re-evaluation is recommended for those workers who are having difficulties with respirators as soon as a difficulty is encountered. Otherwise testing should be every 3 years after age 40, 2 years after age 50, annually after age 60.)

g. Visual: Depth perception, ability to read chart, color vision.

h. And as applicable, Commercial’s Driver’s License (CDL) Medical

Examination and DMV Certificate for commercial driver fitness determination or CDL Medical Examination Only.

3. In addition, the following may be provided:

a. Provide immunization against tetanus, if needed.

b. Provide Hepatitis B Shot Series, if authorized

c. Provide Antibody B Testing, if authorized.

4. All employees shall be provided information on interpretation of the printout and test results.

-- SECTION III REQUIREMENTS --

Each employee will provide the appropriate forms and completed medical history requirements to the medical provider. Each employee will provide a medical release form.

Sample Medical Release Form.

To: Name of Physician Address of Physician

I hereby authorize you to release all records resulting from my medical examination to:

(WAPA - Sierra Nevada Region, Safety and Security Office, N1700, 114 Parkshore Drive, Folsom, CA 95630-4710.)

Employee’s Name Employee’s Signature Date

-- SECTION IV REQUIREMENTS --

The following positions are covered under the medical program for Sierra Nevada Region.

1. COMMUNICATIONS AND INSTRUMENT CRAFTSMAN (WB-2610)

A Communications and Instrument Craftsman is responsible for installing, maintaining, modifying, troubleshooting, repairing, testing, calibrating, and aligning a variety of complex electronic and electromechanical equipment and systems including communication equipment, metering equipment, computers, and a variety of equipment for controlling the transmission of electric power. The communication equipment includes both stationary and mobile radios, ultrahigh frequency (UHF) and microwave transmitting and receiving equipment, power line carrier systems, and telephone systems. The employee is also responsible for high voltage insulation testing and high voltage switching.

Although much of the work is indoors, the craftsman may have to operate heavy equipment, climb communication towers and may be required to reach remote tower locations on foot or by airlift.

Environmental factors which may be important in this job include:

Chemical Exposures: May be exposed to solvents, vegetation control chemicals, as well as other chemicals. May be involved in spill cleanup. Also may be exposed to solder and soldering fluxes.

Dust: Possibly wind borne.

Elevation: Any work above 10,000 feet elevation involves the stresses of high elevation. Work between about 6,000 feet and 10,000 feet elevation may involve high altitude stress if the worker is not acclimated to the altitude.

Noise: High noise levels from operation of equipment.

Nonionizing Radiation: May be exposed to microwaves.

Temperature (particularly for outside work): Hot in summer. Cold in winter in the more northern Regions or ones with higher elevations.

NOTE - APPLICABLE STANDARDS:

1. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR 391.41 to 391.49) cover many aspects of physical and mental requirements for driving heavy duty trucks.

2. OSHA has standards for hearing conservation programs for when an employee’s noise exposure equals or exceeds an 8-hour time-weighted average sound level of 85 decibels measured on the A scale or, equivalently, a dose of 50 percent of permissible exposure.

This standard includes standards for the audiometric testing equipment, the frequency and conduct of the tests, and the interpretation of the results. These standards are found in 29 CFR Part 1910 section 1910.95 (c) through (n), and appendices C, D, E, and F.

2. ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT CRAFTSMAN (WB-2610)

An Electronic Equipment Craftsman is responsible for installing, maintaining, modifying, troubleshooting and repairing a variety of simple to complex electronic equipment used in communications, control process computers, and/or supervisory control systems. Although much of the work is indoors, the craftsman may have to climb communication towers and may be required to reach remote tower locations on foot or by airlift. In some Regions, mobile over-snow vehicles and snow removal equipment may also be used.

Chemical Exposures: May be exposed to solvents during cleaning of equipment. May be involved in spill cleanup. Also may be exposed to solder and soldering fluxes.

Nonionizing Radiation: May be exposed to microwaves.

Temperature (particularly for outside work): Hot in summer. Cold in winter in the more northern Regions, or ones with higher elevations.

measured on the A scale or, equivalently, a dose of 50 percent of permissible exposure.

This standard includes standards for the audiometric testing equipment, the frequency

3. METER AND RELAY CRAFTSMAN AND METER CRAFTSMAN (WB-2610)

A Meter and Relay Craftsman maintains, repairs, and tests metering and relay equipment at substations. The employee also installs and wires switchboard equipment. Although the work is primarily indoors, some outside work is encountered. May operate motor vehicles and climb communication towers.

A Meter Craftsman maintains, repairs, and tests metering equipment at substations. The employee also does high voltage switching when required. Although the work is primarily indoors, some outside work is encountered. May operate motor vehicles and climb communications towers.

Environmental factors which may be important in these jobs include:

Chemical Exposures: May be exposed to solvents during cleaning of equipment, vegetation control, and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), paint, and spill cleanup. Also may be exposed to solder and soldering fluxes.

Noise: High noise levels from the operation of equipment.

Temperature: Cold in winter in the more northern Regions, or ones with higher elevations.

measured on the A scale or, equivalently, a dose of 50 percent of permissible exposure.

This standard includes standards for the audiometric testing equipment, the frequency

4. ELECTRICIAN (WB-2810)

The major duties of an Electrician are installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair in high voltage electrical switch yards, substations, and power operations centers. The work may involve climbing substation support structures, working from aerial lifting devices, and working from elevated platforms. The employee also performs high voltage switching.

Ancillary duties include minor maintenance and housekeeping on substation structures, buildings, fences, and grounds including painting, snow removal, and application of soil sterilants. May require truck driving and the operation of heavy equipment.

Chemical Exposures: Likely to be exposed to chemicals for controlling vegetation and insects. During occasional or incidental duties may be exposed to concrete work, painting (possibly lead-based), equipment cleaning and repair, and/or welding fumes.

In some Regions transformers, capacitors, or other such equipment may contain polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) in the dielectric fluid or residue or gas from SF6 breakers.

Dust: Possibly wind borne.

Elevation: Any work above 10,000 feet elevation involves the stresses of high elevation. Work between about 6,000 feet and 10,000 feet elevation may involve high altitude stress if the worker is not acclimated to the altitude.

Noise: High noise levels from the operation of equipment and maintenance of power circuit breakers.

Temperature: Hot in summer, particularly in the sun, with little chance for shade while working outdoors (all Regions). Cold in winter in the more northern Regions, or ones with higher elevations.

NOTE - APPLICABLE STANDARDS:

1. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR 391.41 to 391.49) cover many aspects of physical and mental requirements for driving heavy duty trucks.

2. OSHA has standards for hearing conservation programs for when an employee’s noise exposure equals or exceeds an 8-hour time-weighted average sound level of 85 decibels measured on the A scale or, equivalently, a dose of 50 percent of permissible exposure.

This standard includes standards for the audiometric testing equipment, the frequency and conduct of the tests, and the interpretation of the results. These standards are found in 29 CFR Part 1910 section 1910.95 (c) through (n), and appendices C, D, E, and F.

5. LINEMAN (WB-2801)

The major duties of a Lineman are inspection, maintenance, and repair of high tension electrical transmission lines with some related construction work. Inspections can be from the ground, from aircraft, or by climbing poles or towers. Working on the lines involves climbing transmission line structures, working from aerial lifting devices, and working from elevated platforms. The lines may be de-energized or energized (live) while being worked upon.

Ancillary duties include maintaining the transmission line right-of-way which involves access road building and repair, and tree trimming and other work to control vegetation.

The Lineman may operate heavy equipment and trucks. In some Regions mobile over-snow vehicles, and snow removal equipment may also be used.

The Lineman may assist in maintenance, installation, and repair work on substation, metering, and communication equipment by working on elevated equipment. May also perform welding.

Environmental factors which may be important in this job include:

Chemical Exposures: Likely to be exposed to chemicals for controlling vegetation and insects. May be exposed to wood preservatives during climbing and handling wood poles. During occasional or incidental duties may be exposed to concrete work, painting (possibly lead-based), welding fumes, or equipment cleaning and repair. In some Regions transformers, capacitors, or other such equipment may contain polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) in the dielectric fluid.

Dust: Exposure during construction work, and possibly wind borne dust at other times.

Noise: High levels related to operation of heavy equipment and tools.

Temperature: Hot in summer, particularly in the sun, with little chance for shade (all Regions). Cold in winter in the more northern Regions, or ones with higher elevations.

Vegetation and Insects: Consistent with a variety of ecosystems. Of most concern ivy, oak, or sumac.

measured on the A scale or, equivalently, a dose of 50 percent of permissible exposure.

This standard includes standards for the audiometric testing equipment, the frequency

6. POWER SYSTEM DISPATCHER (AD-0303)

Power system dispatcher duties are critical to proper operation and control of a complex interconnected power system. The power system dispatcher:

• Continuously monitors the power system status and operating conditions using computer based control and data acquisition systems to detect abnormal operating conditions and to correct those conditions. The Dispatcher is required to maintain situational awareness at all times in order to respond promptly and correctly to mitigate abnormal system conditions and arrest events that could result in either a localized or regional blackout. The dispatcher must possess normal color vision, visual acuity, and hearing sufficient to detect the audible and visual alarms presented and has the ability to mentally analyze the material observed and to form a logical and appropriate course of action.

• Must make correct and accurate decisions related to switching and control of equipment and directs other employees or via remote control, performs switching or load adjustments of high voltage electrical equipment using schematic displays, operating diagrams, meters, recorders and simultaneous multiple communications by radio and telephone.

• Duties are mostly sedentary in an office setting but may involve infrequent field visits to observe equipment configuration.

• Mental and emotional stresses are affected by the need for highly accurate decisions that must be made quickly and sometimes with limited or incomplete information.

Decisions may affect bulk power system reliability in several states and require strict compliance with established procedures directed at protecting employees and public safety.

• Performs shift work in a continuous operation control center requiring rotating shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.

7. OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE SPECIALIST (GS-0301)

Major duties of an Operations and Maintenance specialist are planning, organization, scheduling and coordination of work. This work includes regular preventive maintenance, periodic testing, emergency repair, system replacements and new construction. Reviews construction specifications, new Emergency Orders, Standard Operating Procedures, safety and environmental orders, and other operating instructions to assure efficiency and proper utilization of manpower. Develops statement of work and is the Contracting Officer Representative for service contracts which may include facility janitorial, security gates, weed spraying, etc. Coordinates Doble testing. Works with the environmental office to ensure maintenance personnel are up to date on regulations that may affect the power system. Assists personnel with the training and instruction programs in the area of liveline transmission system maintenance, substation, metering, and communication equipment and test equipment. Assists with the scheduling of the Division’s heavy equipment and coordinates heavy equipment work with other Divisions. Coordinates the maintenance of heavy equipment. The work requires frequent and recurring inspection of and maintenance on electrical circuits or equipment located in the field at power plants, substations, metering station, microwave sites or portion of the transmission system. This requires frequent walking, climbing, stooping and bending.

insects. May be exposed to wood preservatives during climbing and handling wool poles. During occasional or incidental duties may be exposed to concrete work, painting (possibly lead-based), or equipment cleaning and repair. In some Regions transformers, capacitors, or other such equipment may contain polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) in the dielectric fluid. May be exposed to welding fumes.

Elevation: Any work above 10,000 feet elevation involves the stresses of high elevation.

Work between about 6,000 feet and 10,000 feet elevation may involve high altitude stress if the worker is not acclimated to the altitude.

Noise: High levels related to the operation of heavy equipment and tools.

Temperature: Hot in summer, particularly in the sun with little chance for shade (all

Vegetation and Insects: Consistent with a variety of ecosystems. Of most concern would be stinging and biting insects and contact with allergenic plants such as poison ivy, oak or sumac.

measured on the A scale or, equivalently, a dose of 50 percent of permissible exposure.

This standard includes standards for the audiometric testing equipment, the frequency

8. SAFETY AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SPECIALIST (GS-0018)

The major duties of a Safety and Occupational Health professional include conducting inspections of facilities; auditing safety systems; providing technical supervision and serve as technical advisor to field personnel for both construction and maintenance activities.

Ancillary duties include providing safety training for employees, monitoring field activities with various test equipment, and on-site hazard assessments.

insects. During occasional or incidental duties, may be exposed to concrete work, painting (possibly lead based), welding fumes, or equipment cleaning and repair. In some Regions, transformers, capacitors, or other such equipment may contain polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) in the dielectric fluid.

Dust: Exposure during construction work, and possibly wind borne dust at other times, and dust from sandblasting, carpentry, and shop work (asbestos).

Noise: High levels related to operation of heavy equipment, jack hammers, air tools, carpentry equipment, and repair shop.

Temperature: Hot in summer, particularly in the sun, with little chance for shade (all Regions). Cold in winter in areas of higher elevation and in WAPA’s more northern Regions.

Vegetation and Insects: Consistent with a variety of ecosystems. Of most concern would be stinging and biting insects and contact with allergenic plants such as poison ivy, oak, or sumac.

9. SECURITY ADMINISTRATION SERIES GS-0080

The major duties of a Security professional include conducting security inspections of facilities, audit and risk assessments of security systems, security studies, and providing technical advice and supervision and serves as a technical advisor.

Ancillary duties include providing security awareness training for employees, investigation of security incidents, and performing general technical tasks of a physical security program.

Physical factors of this job may include:

Elevation: Any work above 10,000 feet elevation involves the stresses of high elevation. Work between about 6,000 feet and 10,000 feet elevation may involve high altitude stress if the worker is not acclimated to the altitude.

Noise: High levels related to operation of heavy equipment, jack hammers, air tools, and carpentry equipment.

Temperature: Hot in summer, particularly in the sun, with little chance for shade (all Regions). Cold in winter in the more northern Regions, or ones with higher elevations.

Vegetation and Insects: Consistent with a variety of ecosystems. Of most concern would be stinging and biting insects and contact with allergenic plants such as poison ivy, oak, or sumac.

10. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SPECIALIST (GS-0028)

An Environmental Protection Specialist inspects high voltage transmission equipment, equipment storage and maintenance areas, and other WAPA facilities to ensure that hazardous wastes and regulated materials are properly stored, and regulated equipment is properly labeled. Other responsibilities include: training, maintenance, construction, and dispatch personnel; ensuring required responses to spills or regulated materials; sampling soils, equipment, and unknown wastes to determine their characteristics; and surveying environmental conditions at WAPA facilities, including transmission lines.

painting (possibly lead based), welding fumes, or equipment cleaning and repair. In some Regions, transformers, capacitors, or other such equipment may contain

Noise: High levels related to operation of heavy equipment and tools.

Temperature: Hot in summer, particularly in the sun, with little chance for shade (all

Vegetation and Insects: Consistent with a variety of ecosystems. Of most concern

11. ENGINEERING SERIES (GS-0800)

Employees in the engineering series who work in a substation environment are involved in field, shop, or laboratory activities and may be exposed to environmental hazards. Majority of work is accomplished at field sites and is more strenuous. Work may require considerable walking, bending, or climbing when making visits to construction sites, substations or communication sites. May be subject to inclement weather and hours of work outside a normal tour of duty. Work may be performed around energized, high-voltage electrical equipment. Operates pickup truck or sedan to travel to job sites.

painting (possibly lead based), welding fumes, or equipment cleaning and repair. In some Regions, transformers, capacitors, or other such equipment may contain altitude stress if the worker is not acclimated to the altitude.

Noise: High levels related to operation of heavy equipment and tools.

Temperature: Hot in summer, particularly in the sun, with little chance for shade (all Regions). Cold in winter in the more northern Regions, or ones with higher elevations.

Vegetation and Insects: Consistent with a variety of ecosystems. Of most concern